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Governor: Michigan is 'getting it right,
getting it done' as reinvention continues

LANSING, Mich. - Michigan's economy is moving in the right direction and 2012 must be devoted to continuing the state's reinvention by taking care of unfinished business, addressing other critical challenges and emphasizing good government, Gov. Rick Snyder said in his second State of the State address.

The governor presented an optimistic but realistic assessment of Michigan's condition. While numerous indicators underscore Michigan's economic progress, the state clearly has more work to do on various fronts.

"We made large strides to make Michigan great again," Snyder said. "Michiganders came together and worked with relentless positive action to deliver the meaningful change that is getting our state back on its feet. Thanks to the leadership of our legislative partners, we've taken bold but thoughtful action to do what's right for Michigan. We're getting it right and getting it done. But this is no time to let up. Job One is still jobs. Ensuring bright, prosperous futures for working families and their children demands a steadfast commitment to Michigan's reinvention."

The foundation for economic success was laid by getting the state's fiscal house in order and through policy reforms such as the elimination of the job-killing Michigan Business Tax.

Michigan's unemployment rate fell from 11.1 percent in December 2010 to 9.3 percent in December 2011, bringing it to the lowest rate since October 2008. Michigan also added nearly 80,000 private-sector jobs last year and these jobs are higher paying than the national average.

However, Snyder pointed out that the unemployment rate is still too high and that too many families are hurting. He added that challenges with crime, college readiness among students and obesity still remain.

The governor also said that continued support for education, our local communities as well as key industries such as automotive, agriculture, tourism, mining and timber is essential to Michigan's future.

The governor outlined several issues that he would like to tackle this year with the cooperation of the Legislature, including:

- Government accountability: The governor will work with lawmakers to promote greater
accountability and transparency in government by enacting overdue reforms to Michigan's
campaign finance, lobby and ethics laws. For example, the governor is seeking changes that
prohibit a person who has decision-making authority over a contract from working for the
company to which they let a contract. He also advocates increasing the frequency of campaign
finance disclosures from all sources such as political action committees, ballot question
committees and candidate committees.

- Crime: The cities of Saginaw, Flint, Detroit and Pontiac are among the nation's top 10 in
violent crime, which Snyder called unacceptable. In March he will deliver a special message to
the Legislature on public safety that focuses on increasing law enforcement, improving the
operation of our criminal justice system and ensuring the availability of jobs.

- Health care: The governor announced Pure Michigan Fit, a collaborative pilot program with
Gerber Products, the Michigan Grocers Association and the Michigan Health and Hospital
Association. Under the initiative, parents and caregivers will get the nutritional information
they need to raise healthy, happy children. In addition, Snyder renewed his call for legislative
approval of the MiHealth Marketplace program, an online, market-based program that will help
Michiganders make more informed decisions when selecting high-quality, affordable health
care. Snyder cautioned that the alternative is a federally mandated program designed by
people who don't live or work in Michigan.

- Autism: There now are medically proven treatments available for autism. Without treatment,
the average lifetime cost to Michigan for a person suffering autism is $3.7 million. Snyder said
Michigan should join the 27 other states that require insurers to cover evidence-based therapies
for autism.

- Energy and environment: This fall Snyder will deliver a special message to the Legislature on
energy and the environment. Michigan must be more strategic by focusing on the intersection
of job creation, affordability, science and sustainability.

- Taxes: The governor will work with local governments and industry leaders to reform the
personal property tax on industrial assets, while preserving funding for communities. The
current tax structure hampers long-term job growth.

- Infrastructure: Snyder is urging lawmakers to conduct hearings on bills that will create a system
of roads and bridges for the 21st century. Studies show that Michigan is underinvesting in its
transportation infrastructure by $1.4 billion. He also urged support for a bus rapid transit
system to serve Southeastern Michigan.

- New International Trade Crossing: Snyder urged action on the proposed NITC because it is
vital to Michigan's economic future. The NITC will be built without Michigan taxpayer dollars.

- Global talent: Snyder welcomed the support of Michigan universities and the Michigan
Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, the Operating Engineers Union, and the
Teamsters to encourage immigration changes at the federal level so that immigrants with
advanced degrees or who are entrepreneurs can create jobs for Michigan families.